NMSU's bad effort at Utah State

Well, the New Mexico State Aggies football team ended with a whimper on Saturday afternoon with a 47-2 loss at Utah State. New Mexico State ends its season 3-9 and lost its last seven straight.

NMSU has been competitive despite its losing streak, but to score just two points against a preetty bad Utah State defense is sad. There aren't any excuses for a lack of effort and while I wasn't present in Logan, Utah, it appears some of the Aggies might have mailed it in.

It's a sad way for the seniors, i.e. Chris Willams, Derrick Richardson and Chase Holbrook to go out.

Athletics Director McKinley Boston has been taking a long look at the program and the program needs a lot of work.

Head coach Hal Mumme put a lot of stock in his senior class and while it has some entertaining moments, the bottom line is that the Aggies only won 11 games in four years.

- Felix

Sammy Di Pace performance

I was at the Top Rank and Juan Romero promoted boxing show on Friday night in Rio Rancho at the Santa Ana Star Center.

Las Cruces bantamweight Sammy Di Pace improved to 5-0 in his young and bright career. The 18-year-decisionied Alvaro Muro, winning all four rounds deciseively.

Di Pace has improved tremendoulsy on defense in his past two fights and that is a key. He has a good offensive game plan, but defense had been one area that needed work and he's put the time in.

If he can continue to be a good defensive fighter, the expectation that he can be a world champion could develop.

There was no immediate word after the fight when he will fight again, but look for a bout sometime in the first couple of months of 2009.

- Felix

Intriguing note

In a story in the Orange County Register, UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker said he has spoken with New Mexico State and Utah State regarding head coaching jobs.

Utah State's Brent Guy is out at Utah State, while no formal word has come from New Mexico State about head coach Hal Mumme. NMSU is 3-8 this year and has won 11 games in Mumme's total time as the Aggies coach.

Mumme still has one year left on his five-year deal. Stay tuned.

NMSU vs. Utah St. stats matchup

Offense
NMSU
Scoring 24.0
Rushing 60.5
Passing 313.9
Total 374.4
Third Down Conversion 38 percent

Utah St.
Scoring 21.9
Rushing 128.4
Passing 199.0
Total 327.4
Third Down Conversion 29 percent

Defense
NMSU
Points Allowed 32.9
Rushing 218.3
Passing 158.5
Total 376.8
Opponent 3rd down conversion 38 percent

Utah St.
Points Allowed 37.6
Rushing 176.9
Passing 259.1
Total 436.0
Opponent 3rd down conversion 48 percent

New Mexico Prep Hoops Scores, Nov. 25

Tuesday’s Scores
Boys Basketball
Bosque School 79, McCurdy 49
Capital 82, Moriarty 36
Chaparral 78, Clint, Texas 61
Cliff 72, Gallup Catholic 54
Del Norte 59, Belen 49
Eldorado 73, Albuquerque High 49
EP Irvin, Texas 46, Gadsden 43
EP Socorro, Texas 52, Onate 50
Fort Defiance Window Rock, Ariz. 68, Grants 56
Hope Christian 63, Santa Fe Indian 50
Las Cruces 59, Canutillo, Texas 49
Los Alamos 70, Kirtland Central 35
Los Lunas 84, Valencia 48
Lovington 78, Jal 51
Mesilla Valley Christian 86, Hatch Valley 44
Midland, Texas 90, Carlsbad 52
Rio Grande 79, West Mesa 39
Sandia Prep 54, St. Pius 49
Santa Teresa 66, Lydia Patterson Institute, Texas 28
Taos 51, Penasco 49
Albuquerque Academy 55, Volcano Vista High School 27
Highland 63, Albuquerque Academy 38

Girls Basketball
Belen 51, Manzano 50
Cibola 65, Albuquerque High 49
Clovis 40, Portales 32
Dora 60, Grady 37
EP Chapin, Texas 45, Mayfield 42
Floyd 63, Clovis JV 32
Hatch Valley 41, Mesilla Valley Christian 31
Hobbs 66, Onate 38
Hope Christian 84, Bernalillo 53
Jal 65, Pecos 61
Las Cruces 61, EP Austin, Texas 52
Lovington 40, Texico 33
Moriarty 52, Capital 22
Rio Rancho 65, La Cueva 55
Ruidoso 48, Goddard 42
Sandia 63, Rio Grande 59
St. Pius 61, Sandia Prep 11 POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Wingate vs. Piedra Vista, ppd. to Jan 16.

James Hall Jr. recruiting

Here's a quick update on the recruitment of Las Cruces High running back James Hall Jr., who has already received offers from Army, NMSU and Air Force. Apparently Navy is showing interest and UCLA and Stanford are showing more interest.

- Felix

Mayfield's Christian Maes

Mayfield High linebacker/fullback Christian Maes recently took a visit to New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. Maes has 49 unassisted tackles and 63 assisted tackles on the season.

- Felix

Prep Hoops scores, Nov. 24

BOYS BASKETBALL
Cibola 58, Albuquerque High 54
La Cueva 82, Rio Grande 65
Highland 63, Albuquerque Academy 38
Valley 63, Volcano Vista High School 39
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Albuquerque Academy 52, Highland 20
Amarillo Palo Duro, Texas 48, Hobbs 38
Aztec 64, Whitehorse, Utah 45
Del Norte 50, West Mesa 42
Rio Rancho 75, Albuquerque High 44
Sandia 51, Cibola 49, OT
Santa Fe Indian 62, Espanola Valley 52
Santa Teresa 50, San Elizario 19

Mayfield/Las Cruces High rematch

On Saturday at Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces High and Mayfield High meet in the Class 5A high school football semifinals at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

The winner advances to the 5A championship on Dec. 5 or 6. Mayfield is still in the hunt for its fourth straight title, while LCHS is aiming for its first title since 2002.

In the first meeting between the two teams on Nov. 7 at AMS, the Bulldaws squeaked by with a 22-21 win after falling behind 14-0.

The Trojans could have won that game had they not been called for 12 men on the field after stopping LCHS on its first two-point attempt to win the game. The penalty gave the Bulldawgs another chance to score two points and they did when running back James Hall Jr. scored.

So what are the keys to victory this weekend?

For MHS, the keys are to once again jump out to a lead and control the clock. In the first meeting, the Trojans did a good job of scoring and holding onto the ball in the first half. The Trojans need to pass the ball well once again. Junior Austin Hooker has gotten better and better as the season has gone along. He had a solid game against LCHS in the first game and followed that up with a good showing against La Cueva in the playoffs last weekend. On defense, the Trojans have to limit the big plays by LCHS, particularly in the passing game.

The Bulldawgs must be better on defense this weekend. They gave up 33 against Manzano last weekend and if they don't play better against the Trojans, the Trojans could have a field day on offense. LCHS has a great offense and if they it can make it more of an uptempo type of a game, that will be in its favor.
Las Cruces High is motivated to get back to the title game for the first time since 2002 and the team is motivated to avenge last year's 37-29 loss to Clovis in the semifinals. In that game, Clovis jumped on the Bulldawgs early and didn't allow the Bulldawgs to ever take the lead.

All factors point to another entertaining game this weekend with a trip to the state title game against No. 3 Clovis or No. 2 Eldorado on the line.

- Felix

Playoff tickets on sale

Tickets for Saturday’s Mayfield/Las Cruces High School Class 5A football semifinal game will go on sale today at both schools from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at each school on Tuesday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Wednesday at each school from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Mayfield will be the home team on Saturday at Aggie Memorial Stadium. The game is slated for a 1 p.m. start.

Friday's NM Prep Hoops Scores, 11/21

Boys Basketball
Bosque School 64, Escalante 50
Des Moines 83, Logan 72
Hobbs 83, Odessa, Texas 50
Mesilla Valley Christian 74, Santa Fe Prep 50
Sandia Prep 66, Zuni 23

Girls Basketball
Bosque School 62, Monte del Sol 15
Des Moines 63, Logan 39
Hobbs 51, Amarillo, Texas 40
Navajo Prep 33, Piedra Vista 32 P

Friday's NM Football Scores, Nov. 21

Friday’s Scores
Class 5A
Quarterfinal
Clovis 34, Sandia 7
Las Cruces 42, Manzano 33
Mayfield 45, La Cueva 7

Class 4A
Quarterfinal
Belen 26, Silver 7
Goddard 42, Piedra Vista 7

Class 2A
Semifinal
Texico 28, Santa Rosa 21, OT

NMSU/Louisiana Tech Stats matchup

NMSU/Louisiana Tech Stats Matchup

Offense
NMSU
Scoring Avg. 23.3
Rushing 62.8
Passing 296.7
Total 359.5
Third Down Conversion Percentage 38 percent
Fourth Down Conversion Percentage 46 percent

La. Tech
Scoring Avg. 23.7
Rushing 192.9
Passing 149.4
Total 342.3
Third Down Conversion Percentage 34 percent
Fourth Down Conversion Percentage 40 percent

Defense
NMSU
Scoring Avg. 32.7
Rushing 217.5
Passing 161.2
Total 378.7
Third Down Conversion Percentage 39 percent
Fourth Down Conversion Percentage 42 percent

La. Tech
Scoring Avg. 23.2
Rushing 106.4
Passing 247.6
Total 354.0
Third Down Conversion Percentage 35 percent
Fourth Down Conversion Percentage 54 percent

Trout earns win

Las Cruces junior middleweight Austin Trout improved to 16-0 in his career with a third-round technical knockout over veteran Brad Thompson (15-14).

Trout is expected to fight on Jan. 16 against 22-1 Pawel Wolak.

- Felix

Joaquin Zamora trains in Cruces

New Mexico junior middleweight prospect Joaquin Zamora has been in Las Cruces sparring with Siju Shabazz and Abie Han in preparation for his 10-round fight with Jose Luis Gonzales next Friday in Rio Rancho.

Zamora, who has ties to Las Cruces, resides in Pecos. He defeated Ray Sanchez Jr., by knoickout earlier this year up north.

Zamora is 16-2 with 11 knockouts and said training is going well for the fight. He sparred with Austin Trout prior to his win against Sanchez. Zamora's fight will be part of a Telefutura-televised card in which Las Cruces fighters Sammy DiPace and Ricky Vasquez will also fight.

Han, who hails from El Paso, gave Zamora fits on Wednesday during their seven round. Han is 2-0 as a pro. He landed good combinations.

Zamora is a southpaw with decent power and a good skill level. He'll need to be a bit sharper on defense against Gonzales, but he appears to be in good shape headed into the bout.

- Felix

Playoff History, Manzano, La Cueva, LCHS, MHS

La Cueva (17-14)
1987 Roswell 47, La Cueva 0 (QF)
1990 La Cueva 20, Sandia 7 (QF)
1990 Clovis 24, La Cueva 7 (SF)
1991 Eldorado 21, La Cueva 14 (QF)
1992 La Cueva 42, Cibola 13 (QF)
1992 La Cueva 28, Clovis 25 (SF)
1992 La Cueva 35, Roswell 0 (CH)
1994 La Cueva 27, Del Norte 14 (PP)
1994 Clovis 34, La Cueva 0 (QF)
1995 Clovis 20, La Cueva 10 (QF)
1997 Highland 16, La Cueva 13 (QF)
1998 Rio Grande 21, La Cueva 0 (PP)
1999 Roswell 28, La Cueva 21 (QF)
2000 Las Cruces High 34, La Cueva 20 (QF)
2001 La Cueva 25, Cibola 0 (QF)
2001 Mayfield 10, La Cueva 7 (SF)
2002 Clovis 10, La Cueva 0 (QF)
2003 La Cueva 63, Las Cruces High 0 (QF)
2003 La Cueva 27, Rio Grande 3 (SF)
2003 La Cueva 24, Mayfield 21 (CH)
2004 La Cueva 61, Eldorado 0 (QF)
2004 La Cueva 35, Las Cruces 0 (SF)
2004 La Cueva 40, Clovis 0 (CH)
2005 La Cueva 42, Los Lunas 7 (FR)
2005 La Cueva 28, Eldorado 21 (QF)
2005 Mayfield 21, La Cueva 7 (SF)
2006 La Cueva 21, Eldorado 17 (FR)
2006 Mayfield 31, La Cueva 0 (QF)
2007 La Cueva 34, Alamogordo 13 (FR)
2007 Clovis 21, La Cueva 17 (QF)
2008 La Cueva 38, Alamogordo 0 (FR)

Las Cruces High (20-15)
1955 Las Cruces High 39, Artesia 13 (SF)
1955 Roswell 19, Las Cruces High 14 (CH)
1956 Carlsbad 33, Las Cruces High 14 (SF)
1958 Carlsbad 20, Las Cruces High 14 (CH)
1959 Las Cruces High 31, Artesia 7 (CH)
1963 Highland 20, Las Cruces High 0 (CH)
1975 Las Cruces High 41, Los Alamos 10 (QF)
1975 Las Cruces High 27, Del Norte 0 (SF)
1975 Las Cruces 29, Eldorado 15 (CH)
1978 Las Cruces High 14, Santa Fe 12 (W)
1978 Eldorado 28, Las Cruces High 0 (SF)
1986 Roswell 40, Las Cruces High 15 (L)
1987 Las Cruces Highi 20, Del Norte 7 (SF)
1987 Roswell 21, Las Cruces High 15 (SF)
1988 Las Cruces High 22, Albuquerque High 13 (QF)
1988 Las Cruces High 24, Roswell 21 (SF)
1997 Clovis 18, Las Cruces High 13 (QF)
1998 Las Cruces High 44, Rio Grande 7 (QF)
1998 Goddard 28, Las Cruces High 14 (SF)
1999 Las Cruces High 28, Highland 19 (QF)
1999 Las Cruces High 36, Roswell 6 (SF)
1999 Las Cruces 24, Goddard 12 (CH)
2000 Las Cruces High 34, La Cueva 20 (QF)
2000 Las Cruces High 26, Valley 14 (SF)
2000 Las Cruces High 45, Carlsbad 21 (CH)
2001 Clovis 45, Las Cruces High 17 (QF)
2002 Las Cruces High 38, Valley 0 (QF)
2002 Las Cruces High 40, Clovis 17 (SF)
2002 Las Cruces HIgh 17, Mayfield 14 (CH) 
2003 La Cueva 63, Las Cruces High 0 (QF)
2004 Las Cruces HIgh 48, Carlsbad 20 (QF)
2004 La Cueva 35, Las Cruces High 0 (SF)
2005 Clovis 42, Las Cruces High 6 (FR)
2007 Las Cruces High 50, Manzano 45 (QF)
2007 Clovis 37, Las Cruces High 29 (SF)


Manzano (6-12)
1980 Santa Fe 22, Manzano 15 (QF)
1981 Clovis 28, Manzano 7 (QF)
1983 Roswell 42, Manzano 12 (QF)
1986 Manzano 21, Carlsbad 8
1986 Highland 34, Manzano 28 (SF)
1990 Clovis 34, Manzano 0 (QF)
1995 Mayfield 42, Manzano 3
1996 Manzano 19, Capital 8 (QF)
1996 Manzano 14, Clovis 13 (SF)
1996 Mayfield 14, Manzano 0 (CH)
1997 Goddard 40, Manzano 10 (QF)
1999 Roswell 14, Manzano 10 (PP)
2001 Mayfield 37, Manzano 7 (QF)
2005 Manzano 35, Sandia 16 (FR)
2005 Clovis 49, Manzano 14 (QF)
2007 Manzano 50, Onate 19 (FR)
2007 Las Cruces 50, Manzano 45 (QF)
2008 Manzano 31, Cibola 23 (FR)

Mayfield (36-17)
1971 Mayfield 19, Hobbs 15 (SF)
1971 Mayfield 24, West Mesa 20 (CH)
1972 Mayfield 7, Los Alamos 3 (SF)
1972 Hobbs 31, Mayfield 15 (CH)
1973 Mayfield 34, Del Norte 3 (QF)
1973 Clovis 25, Mayfield 13 (SF)
1974 Hobbs 58, Mayfield 28 (QF) 
1975 Farmington 10, Mayfield 8 (QF)
1976 Mayfield 21, Del Norte 6 (QF)
1976 Mayfield 38, Carlsbad 18 (SF)
1976 Sandia 23, Mayfield 6 (CH)
1984 Del Norte 28, Mayfield 6 (QF)
1987 Mayfield 9, Farmington 6 (QF)
1987 Mayfield 12, Clovis 6 (SF)
1987 Roswell 29, Mayfield 7 (CH)
1988 Highland 26, Mayfield 0 (QF)
1989 Mayfield 22, Alamogordo 14 (QF)
1989 Highland 6, Mayfield 0 (SF)
1994 Mayfield 25, Eldorado 0 (QF)
1994 Goddard 10, Mayfield 0 (SF)
1995 Mayfield 42, Manzano 3 (QF)
1995 Mayfield 23, Roswell 7 (SF)
1995 Mayfield 13, Clovis 12 (CH)
1996 Mayfield 27, Goddard 26 (QF)
1996 Mayfield 21, Highland 14 (SF)
1996 Mayfield 14, Manzano 0 (CH)
1997 Del Norte 16, Mayfield 13 (PP)
1998 Mayfield 42, Hobbs 30 (PP)
1998 Mayfield 48, Valley 30 (QF)
1998 Mayfield 41, Highland 7 (SF)
1998 Mayfield 13, Goddard 7 (CH)
1999 Valley 45, Mayfield 35 (QF)
2000 Highland 49, Mayfield 35 (QF)
2001 Mayfield 37, Manzano 7 (QF)
2001 Mayfield 10, La Cueva 8 (SF)
2001 Clovis 17, Mayfield 10 (CH)
2002 Mayfield 49, Cibola 0 (QF)
2002 Mayfield 22, Carlsbad 14 (SF)
2002 Las Cruces High 17, Mayfield 14 (CH)
2003 Mayfield 34, Highland 6 (QF)
2003 Mayfield 12, Carlsbad 0 (SF)
2003 La Cueva 24, Mayfield 21 (CH)
2004 Clovis 15, Mayfield 7 (QF)
2005 Mayfield 49, Hobbs 6 (FR)
2005 Mayfield 10, Rio Grande 3 (QF)
2005 Mayfield 21, La Cueva 7 (SF)
2005 Mayfield 17, Clovis 7 (CH)
2006 Mayfield 31, La Cueva 0 (QF)
2006 Mayfield 21, Sandia 14 (SF)
2006 Mayfield 31, Alamogordo 7 (CH)
2007 Mayfield 57, Rio Rancho 16 (QF)
2007 Mayfield 26, Cibola 14 (SF)
2007 Mayfield 49, Clovis 48 (CH)

Tuesday's NM Prep Hoops Scores, Nov. 18

Boys Basketball
Alamogordo 73, Santa Teresa 53
Chaparral 82, Faith Christian 56
East Mountain 54, Desert Academy 27
EP Montwood, Texas 42, Las Cruces 36
Hobbs 64, Midland Lee, Texas 56
Onate 45, EP Cathedral, Texas 43
Girls Basketball
Bosque School 47, Santa Fe Prep 32
Hobbs 72, Odessa, Texas 36
Hope Christian 65, Crownpoint 57
Las Cruces 74, EP Franklin, Texas 59
Mayfield 58, EP Andress, Texas 47

Sammy Di Pace opponent

Las Cruces' unbeaten bantamweight, Sammy Di Pace (4-0, 3 knockouts) will face Alejandro Garcia (5-5, 1 knockout) on Nov. 28 at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho in a six-round fight.

Di Pace last fought on Sept. 5 vs. Julio Valadez, winning a four-round decision.

- Felix

Tickets for prep football games

Tickets for Mayfield and Las Cruces High's playoff football games will be on sale at each school on Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students.

Mayfield takes on La Cueva on Friday night at 7 at the Field of Dreams, while Las Cruces High meets Manzano at Aggie Memorial Stadium, also on Friday night.

Baseball camp

The Naa'taanii Baseball Academy will have USA Junior Olympic Baseball Tryouts this weekend at El Paso Community College in El Paso.

18 players will be selected to represent the team at the 2009 Pan American Games. The camp is for players 14-17. Cost is $15 per player. For more info, call Darrell Carrillo at 505-463-2122.

Mumme's future

Phillip Fulmer is gone at Tennessee, Tyrone Willingham is gone at Washington and Greg Robinson is out at Syracuse.

It's my guess that Hal Mumme will be gone at NMSU sometime in the coming days. The Aggies fell out of bowl contention with Saturday's loss to Fresno State and Mumme has won just 11 games in four years.

The Aggies have two games left against Louisiana Tech and Utah State and the best the team can do is go 5-7.

But NMSU hasn't made the progress on the field that was expected at least in terms of wins and there has been a great deal of speculation in recent weeks that Mumme's future at the school was in jepoardy.


Also, Utah State's Brent Guy future in Logan appears to be settled. He will likely not return in 2009.

Bulldawgs basketball player to sign with WNMU

Las Cruces High Bulldawgs boys basketball player Lucio Luttrell will sign a national letter of intent on Tuesday to play basketball at Western New Mexico.

Luttrell was one of the top scorers in the state last year and plays a guard position.

- Felix

Bulldawgs, MHS to play Friday

The Las Cruces Bulldawgs and Mayfield Trojans will both play on Friday night, Nov. 21 in their respective high school playoff football games.

No. 1 Las Cruces will play No. 8 Manzano at Aggie Memorial Stadium and No. 4 Mayfield will play No. 5 La Cueva at the Field of Dreams.

Both games will start at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $5 for students.

- Felix

Austin Trout update

Las Cruces junior middleweight Austin Trout fights on Nov. 20 in Houston vs. 15-13 Brad Thompson. Trout is 15-0.

But more importantly if Trout prevails in the fight, he will likely get a chance to fight on Showtime Network in January of 2009. The likely opponent? 22-1 Pawel Wolak, whose only loss was to 19-3 Ishe Smith.

- Felix

Prep Football Playoff Update

High School Football Playoffs
3A Quarterfiinals
Friday or Saturday
No. 8 Ruidoso at No. 1 Lovington
No. 5 St. Mike’s at No. 4 Socorro
No. 6 Cobre at No. 3 Portales
No. 7 Raton at No. 2 Bloomfield
4A Quarterfinals
Friday or Saturday
No. 9 Piedra Vista at No. 1 Goddard
No. 5 Kirtland Central at No. 4 Artesia
No. 6 Silver at No. 3 Belen
No. 7 Los Alamos at No. 2 Aztec
5A Quarterfinals
Friday or Saturday
No. 8 Manzano at No. 1 Las Cruces High
No. 5 La Cueva at No. 4 Mayfield
No. 6 Sandia at No. 3 Clovis
No. 7 Rio Rancho at No. 2 Eldorado

Joe Koerper and Randy Montoya

Onate High baseball players Joe Koerper and Randy Montoya will sign their national letters of intent with New Mexico State on Monday at 3 p.m. at Onate High School.

It's a big day for both of these young men, who have played an integral part in the success of the program on the Class 5A level. The Knights made it to the Class 5A semifinals in 2007, losing to Rio Rancho. In May of this year, the Knights made it to the finals where they lost a heartbreaker to La Cueva.

Koerper and Montoya are solid players and have bright futures ahead of themselves as long as they both continue to work hard and improve. Montoya is a good infielder and pitcher and Koerper has the potential to be a solid hitter at the next level with his bat.

I believe both have upside to their game, the question will be how do they adjust to the college game. Part of that is contingent on continued improvement and part of it will be how they adjust to NMSU's coaching style.

But both love the game, have played a lot of baseball in their career and Monday will be a big day for the two kids and it's great to see two good kids getting a chance to further their athletic career.

- Felix

Dante Caro

Last week we found out at the newspaper that Las Cruces High quarterback Dante Caro was selected as the top quarterback in the state by DeBartolo Sports University becoming one of 100 QB's eligible to win the Joe Montana Quarterback of the Year award.

Montana is involved in the selection process of Caro and 49 other quarterbacks across the country. Roughly 50 at-large selections were also chosen by the DeBarolo Sports University. The field will be narrowed to 16 at the end of this month and the winner will be announced in December before Christmas.

Caro has worked hard to be the best he can be in the past two seasons as the team's starting QB. He's been a threat on the ground the past two years as a runner, but this year, has improved as a passer as well, making him a double threat. His passing skills were evident when he hit Mike Bernal with a touchdown pass to help set up the Bulldawgs' 22-21 win against Mayfield on Nov. 7, which clinched the No. 1 seed for LCHS in this year's 5A playoffs.

At the end of the first half, he caught a touchdown pass to pull LCHS within 14-7 at the halftime break.

Caro has been a true leader for the Bulldawgs in their resurgence on the field the past two seasons, which included a semifinal showing last year. This year, the team is 10-0. Just three years ago, the Bulldawgs were down having suffered a losing season, followed by a .500 campaign. But Caro along with several other seniors and juniors have put LCHS back among the state's best.

He has a bright future ahead of him and he's got a great opportunity to play a couple of different spots at the next level.

Caro has rushed for 847 yards and 12 touchdowns while completing 81 of 121 passes for 1,431 yards and 13 scores.

Prep Football Scores 11/14

Class 5A
First Round

La Cueva 38, Alamogordo 0

Rio Rancho 43, Highland 20

Class 4A

First Round

Kirtland Central 54, Capital 24

Los Alamos 35, Moriarty 7

Piedra Vista 28, Del Norte 27

Class 2A

Quarterfinal

Dexter 69, Capitan 7

Santa Rosa 62, Tularosa 21

Class 1A

Semifinal

Clayton 47, Hagerman 12

Fort Sumner 60, McCurdy 0

Eight Man

Semifinal

Melrose 54, Floyd 14

New Mexico State vs. Fresno State matchup of stats

New Mexico State offense
Scoring 24.0
Rushing 70.8
Passing 308.3
Total Offense 379.1
Third Down Conversion 38 percent
Fourth Down Conversion 46 percent

New Mexico State Defense
Points Allowed 33.7
Rushing Allowed 220.7
Passing Allowed 162.9
Total Yards Allowed 383.6
Opponents Third Down Conversion 38 percent

Fresno State Offense
Scoring 32.4
Rushing 186.6
Passing 227.8
Total Offense 414.3
Third Down Conversion 42 percent
Fourth Down Conversion 75 percent

Fresno State Defense
Points Allowed 30.7
Rushing 237.3
Passing 189.9
Total 427.7
Opponents Third Down Conversion 35 percent

Prep Football Capsules

Sun-News reports
The Class 5A playoffs open this weekend with first-round matchups across the
state. Here is a capsule look at all 12 playoff teams:

No. 1 Las Cruces
Coach: Jim Miller
Record: 10-0
Top Players: QB Dante Caro 81-121 passing for 1,431 yards and 13 TDs; 74
rushing attempts for 847 yards and 12 TDs; RB James Hall Jr. 150-1,522, 22
TDs
Key Wins: 28-14 over La Cueva, 62-21 over Manzano, 22-21 over Mayfield

No. 2 Eldorado
Coach: Charlie Dotson
Record: 10-0
Top Players: QB Armin Day 107-164 1,704 yards, 26 TDs 4 interceptions; RB
Gary Maestas 163-1,097 3 TDs; WR Ross Williams 28-853 11 TDs
Key Wins: 22-21 over Clovis, 35-15 over Cibola, 40-7 over La Cueva, 26-20
over Mayfield, 49-28 over Manzano

No. 3 Clovis
Coach: Eric Roanhaus
Record: 9-1
Top Players: QB Josh Potocke 27-55 723 yards, 10 TDs, seven interceptions;
RB Stefon Mills 165-951 15 TDs
Key Wins: 8-7 over La Cueva, 21-18 over Rio Rancho, 21-14 over Cibola

No. 4 Mayfield
Coach: Michael Bradley
Record: 8-2
Top Players: QB Austin Hooker 65-469 5 TDs, ; RB Jacob Ceniceros 156-1,206
14 TDs
Key Wins: 35-13 over El Paso Montwood, 42-20 over Cibola
Bradley says: ³This is the time of year that you have to step up. We rely on
our seniors for leadership. It has been a long year but this is the fun part
of the year.²

No. 5 La Cueva
Coach: Fred Romero
Record: 7-3
Top Players: RB Ronnie Daniels 89-499, nine TDs; RB Gus Bowe 66-361, seven
TDs
Key Wins: 38-13 over Cibola, 24-21 over Sandia

No. 6 Sandia
Coach: Kevin Barker
Record: 8-2
Top Players: QB Tanner Ireland 77-154 passing yards for 1,013 yards and
seven TDs; 80-518 yards, 11 TDs.
Key Wins: 29-14 over Cibola, 30-20 over Alamogordo
Barker says: ³We lost Marcus Washington for the season, who is an all-metro
running back and all-state safety. Hobbs can really move the football well
so hopefully we don¹t get into a shootout with them, but the defense has
played well.²

No. 7 Rio Rancho
Coach: Mike Worley
Record: 7-3
Top Players: QB Tyler Baker; WR Aaron Holt
Key Wins: 43-17 over Cibola, 24-3 over Carlsbad

No. 8 Manzano
Coach: Aaron Ocampo
Record: 7-3
Top Players: QB Tyler Krueger 102-160, 1,537 yards; WR Nick Linden 32
catches, 616 yards
Key Wins: 49-42 over Highland; 38-24 over Artesia

No. 9 Cibola
Coach: Judge Chavez
Record: 4-6
Top Players: QB Hayden Schaap; OL Rio Mares
Key Wins: 14-10 over Manzano; 42-30 over Highland

No. 10 Highland
Coach: Gary Sanchez
Record: 4-6
Top Players: QB Dylan Chavez, 129-253, 1,736 yards, 18 TD; WR Rolando
Trammel 33 catches, 629 yards; RB Brennan Howell 121 rushes 602 yards
Key Wins: 60-28 over Rio Grande, 46-16 over Los Lunas
Sanchez says: ³Our record was 4-6 and we are very happy to be in the
playoffs after last years absence. We have good team speed and fairly
athletic on offense.²

No. 11 Hobbs
Coach: Phillip Roybal
Record: 4-6
Top Players: QB Kyle Niemeyer 97-207, 1,369 yards; WR Daniel Mendoza 26
catches, 342 yards
Key Wins: 35-21 over Carlsbad; 34-27 over Roswell

No. 12 Alamogordo
Coach: Tommy Standefer
Record: 3-7
Top Players: RB Dwaundle Baker 169 rushes, 1,021 yards; QB Tony Anderson
63-165, 1,017 yards; WR Taylor Weary 17 catches, 343 yards, 3 TDs
Key Win: 29-12 over Oñate
Standefer says: ³We are happy to be in the playoffs, but we are not
satisfied with just getting in the playoffs. We are a very young team that
has gotten better over the course of the year and we are hoping to continue
that trend.²

High School Volleyball update

Pool play took place on Wednesday at the high school state volleyball tournament and it turned out to be a solid day for area teams in District 3-5A

No. 2 Gadsden went 6-0 and advances to a Thursday night quarterfinal matchup against No. 9 Cibola or No. 6 Clovis.

No.7 Mayfield went 5-1 in pool play and has to play a first round match against No. 8 Sandia at 1:15 on Thursday afternoon.

No. 3 Las Cruces High got a first round bye and will play Thursdsay evening at 6:45 p.m. vs. No. 5 La Cueva or No. 12 Gallup.

No. 1 Rio Rancho and No. 10 Alamogordo also got first round byes. Thursday's quarterfinal matchups are at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. Friday's semifinals and Saturday's finals are at Johnson Center in Albuquerque.

In Class 3A, No. 4 Hatch Valley plays Thursday at 5 p.m. vs. Portales or Cuba and in 2A, Mesilla Valley Christian takes on Rheoboth at 6:45 p.m. at Johnson Center on the University of New Mexico campus.

- Felix

Good boxing book read

I recently read a book entitled Four Kings, written by former Boston sportswriter George Kimball.

It's an historical look into one of the great times boxing history from 1980-89.

The book revolves around four of the sport's best, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler.

Each of the four fighters battled each other, some more than once as in the case of Duran-Leonard and Hears-Leonard.

The book gives an intriguing look into the preparation of each fighter going into the big fights and gives an unique look into what the boxers often thought of their opponent.

The fact that each of these four men were willing to fight each other is a testament to their talents, more importantly to their competitive spirit. Duran, Leonard, Hagler and Hearns are four of the greatest fighters of all time.

Most of the fights were great. Hagler/Hears might have been the greatest eight minutes of boxing of all time. Lenoard/Duran I was a superb fight of talent and determination and Leonard/Hearns I was simply an all-out entertaining fight.

As a boxing fan, I was fortunate enough to see most of these fights and it was nice to see fighters fighting real fighters and not making excuses not to fight the other.

If you get a chance to read this book it's a great read, even if you don't really follow the sport. It's a book about great athletes and the spirit of competition and wanting to be the very best at what you do.

Plus, the historical significance of those four fighters and those fights is still being talked about today by many in the business.

- Felix

Neiman out, Bolin could return

New Mexico State wide receiver Wes Neiman is done for the season with a disc injury in his back. His career could also be done depending on the severity of it.

Also, senior center Richie Bolin practiced on Tuesday and could return against Fresno St. on Saturday. He has yet to take part in contact drills.

- Felix

5A Football Playoff 1st Round Predictions

No. 8 Manzano 44, No. 9 Cibola 20
No. 5 La Cueva 28, Alamogordo 9
No. 6 Sandia 35, No. 11 Hobbs 7
No. 7 Rio Rancho 30, No. 10 Highland 21

High School Football Pairings 3A, 4A, 5A

Class 3A Football Pairings
First Round
Saturday
No. 9 Hatch Valley at No. 8 Ruidoso, 4 p.m.
No. 12 Wingate at No. 5 St. Michael's, 1:30 p.m.
No. 11 Robertson at No. 6 Cobre, 1 p.m.
No. 10 Albuquerque Academy at No. 7 Raton, 1 p.m.

Quarterfinals
Nov. 21-22
No. 9 Hatch Valley or No. 8 Ruidoso at No. 1 Lovington
No. 12 Wingate or No. 5 St. Michael's at No. 4 Socorro
No. 11 Robertson or NO. 6 Cobre at No. 3 Portales
No. 10 Albuquerque Academy or No. 7 Raton at No. 2 Bloomfield

Semifinals
Nov. 28 or 29

Finals
Dec. 5 or 6

Class 4A Football Pairings
First Round
Friday
No. 9 Piedra Vista at No. 8 Del Norte, 7 p.m.
No. 12 Capital at No. 5 Kirtland Central, 7 p.m.
No. 10 Moriarty at No. 7 Los Alamos, 7 p.m.
Saturday
No. 11 St. Pius at No. 6 Silver, 1 p.m

Quarterfinals
Nov. 21-22
No. 9 Piedra Vista or No. 8 Del Norte at No. 1 Goddard
No. 12 Capital or No. 5 Kirtland Central at No. 4 Artesia
No. 11 St. Pius or No. 6 Silver at No. 3 Belen
No. 10 Moriarty or No. 7 Los Alamos at No. 2 Aztec

Semifinals
Nov. 28-29

Championship Game
Dec. 5 or 6

Class 5A Football Pairings
First Round
Friday
No. 10 Highland at No. 7 Rio Rancho, 7 p.m.
No. 12 Alamogordo at No. 5 La Cueva, 7 p.m.
Saturday
No. 11 Hobbs at No. 6 Sandia, 1:30 p.m.
No. 9 Cibola at No. 8 Manzano, 7 p.m.

Quarterfinals
Nov. 21-22
No. 9 Cibola or No 8 Manzano at No. 1 Las Cruces High
No. 12 Alamogordo or No. 5 La Cueva at No. 4 Mayfield
No. 11 Hobbs or No. 6 Sandia at No. 3 Clovis
No. 10 Highland or No. 7 Rio Rancho at No. 2 Eldorado

Semifinals
Nov. 28 or 29

Championship
Dec. 5 or 6

Aggies vs. Hawaii follow

It appears that the New Mexico State Aggies could add another year to their bowl-less streak.

New Mexico State had a better offensive game against Hawaii on Saturday, but fell 42-30 on Saturday afternoon against

New Mexico State got a huge day from receivers Chris Williams and Marcus Anderson, who combined for four scores, but the defense struggled in the first half and a key turnover in the second half ended a promising drive and put seven on the board for Hawaii, which returned an interception 91 yards for the score.

The Aggies played hard, but again just couldn't hold onto to a lead. Against Idaho on Oct. 18, the Aggies led 14-7, but lost 20-14. Against Hawaii, the Aggies led 14-7 but again gave up the lead.

The postgame news confernece was subdued. The players and coach Mumme were disappointed with the loss and seemed to take little comfort in the fact that they played Hawaii close.

Saturday's loss was the team's fourth straight in league play and dropped NMSU to 3-6 overall and 1-4 in Western Athletic Conference.

The Aggies have three more games and in theory could finish 6-6, but road games at Fresno State and Utah State are going to be uphill battles and the home game vs. Louisiana Tech is looking dicey right now. Louisiana Tech beat Fresno St. last week and won at San Jose State on Saturday night.

There has been much speculation about Hal Mumme's job security and it's sure to intensify this week. My hunch is if NMSU falls to Fresno State, he could be asked to resign or be fired.

Felix

Cruces High's win against Mayfield

Friday's Mayfield/Las Cruces High football game will go down in the books as one of the series' best finishes.

Las Cruces High was down 14-0 in the first half and 21-14 with less than five minutes left after a turnover and a Mayfield score.

But the Bulldawgs came up with some big plays when it needed to and took advantage of a huge Mayfield mistake to prevail 22-21.

The Trojans looked like they were going to win when they stopped running back James Hall Jr. on a two-point conversion run. But the Trojans were called for 12 men on the field, giving the Dawgs another chance and Hall scored for the final margin.

It was a huge victory for the Bulldawgs as they prepare for the state playoffs. They needed a tough game against a good team and they needed to show that they can perform for 48 minutes. It's been tough on LCHS all season because its had so many blowout wins. Friday's game proved it has what it takes to make a lengthy run in the 5A state playoffs.

Mayfield is a scary team in the playoffs because it runs the ball well, quarterback Austin Hooker is developing into a sound passer and the team still comes up with big plays.

- Felix

Friday's Prep Football Scores, Nov. 7

Friday’s Scores
PREP FOOTBALL
Aztec 38, Piedra Vista 21
Bloomfield 65, Thoreau 0
Clovis 58, Hobbs 0
Del Norte 37, Moriarty 19
Goddard 35, Artesia 7
Hatch Valley 35, Hot Springs 14
Las Cruces 22, Mayfield 21
Los Alamos 33, Capital 28
Santa Teresa 48, Chaparral 20
Socorro 12, Cobre 10
Class 2A
Capitan 42, Tucumcari 17
Cloudcroft 31, Laguna-Acoma 6
Estancia 26, NMMI 0
Tularosa 48, Cuba 16
Eight Man
Quarterfinal
Gateway Christian 38, Mountainair 22
Melrose 62, Springer 0
Six Man
Championship
Hondo 56, San Jon 26

Thursday's Prep Football Scores, Nov. 6

PREP FOOTBALL
Kirtland Central 32, Farmington 21
La Cueva 56, Albuquerque High 0
Onate 35, Gadsden 0
Rio Rancho 43, Cibola 17

Comments on this board

To all the readers of this blog, I just want to say thanks for coming to this board and reading the info. But I do have a friendly reminder to keep your comments within reason. If there is a reason to be critical of someone that's fine.

But to take personal shots at high school kids is something you should refrain from doing, particulary if you are not going to attach your name to it. This isn't a board for cheap shots or personal attacks, particularly on the youth.

Recently I posted a blog item about high school pitcher Steven Florez and his committment to play baseball at New Mexico. There has been a lot of chatter knocking him and his abilities. Plus there have been shots taken at other high school baseball teams and players.

I have deleted the item to limit more attacks. Please do not use this item to continue those attacks. Thanks.

- Felix Chavez

Richie Bolin getting ready to play

New Mexico State senior center Richie Bolin is doing some physical therapy on the sidelines as he tries to return to action. He's missed the past three games due to a right knee injury and is likely out this week. The hope by the team is that he returns by the Nov. 22 game against against Louisiana Tech.

- Felix

Hawaii/NMSU stats matchup

NMSU offense
Scoring 23.2
Rushing 78.9
Passing 297.6
Total 376.5
Third Down Conversion 38 percent
Fourth Down Conversion 43 Percent

NMSU Defense
Points Allowed 32.6
Rushing Allowed 230.2
Passing Allowed 145.4
Total Yards Allowed 375.6
Opp. Third Down Conversion 34 percent
Opp. Fourth Down Conversion 36 percent

Hawaii offense
Scoring 20.6
Rushing 107.7
Passing 223.7
Total 331.3
Third Down Conversion 31 percent
Fourth Down Conversion 40 Percent

Hawaii Defense
Points Allowed 29.9
Rushing Allowed 178.9
Passing Allowed 203.0
Total Yards Allowed 381.9
Opp. Third Down Conversion 34 percent
Opp. Fourth Down Conversion 63 percent

Siddeeq Shabazz earns honor

Former New Mexico State safety Siddeeq Shabazz was named the Canadian Football League Defensive Player of the Week. Shabazz plays for the Edmonton Eskimos and had a CFL high eight tackles and added two quarterback sacks, a forced fumble, a tackle for loss and a special teams tackle in the Eskimos 37-14 victory over the visiting Montreal Alouettes.
Shabazz has recorded 63 tackles, three quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery this season for the Eskimos.

- Felix

PREP Football Poll

KRQE NEWS 13/KASA FOX 2 H.S. FOOTBALL POLL

1ST PLACE VOTES POINTS

1. LAS CRUCES (8) 128
2. ELDORADO (3) 110
3. MAYFIELD 103
4. CLOVIS 101
5. GODDARD 93
6. LA CUEVA 66
7. MANZANO 59
8. AZTEC 51
9. ARTESIA 50
10. SANDIA 47
11. RIO RANCHO 24
12. BELEN 15
13. DEXTER 14

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: (POINTS) SILVER 11, TEXICO 10, ST.PIUS 6,
HAGERMAN 6, CIBOLA 5, MELROSE 5, LAKE ARTHUR 5, ONATE 5, ANIMAS 4,
GATEWAY CHRISTIAN 3, SAN JON 2, SOCORRO 2, LOS LUNAS 2, SOCORRO 2, HONDO
1, PORTALES 1, HOBBS 1.

Aggies lose another O-lineman

New Mexico State offensive tackle Patrick Blount is doubtful for Saturday's home game against Hawaii. He has a foot injury that has slowed him down. He may just miss one game. Senior guard Polo Gutierrez was getting reps at right tackle and David Norman was getting reps at left tackle.

Also, running back Marquell Colston and receiver Marcus Anderson practiced on Tuesday and looked solid.

- Felix

Hall Jr. gets some interest from UCLA

Las Cruces High running back James Hall Jr. has received some interest from UCLA in terms of the school requesting some tape and general info on the talented senior running back.

- Felix

Aggies could get Colston, Neiman back

New Mexico State head coach Hal Mumme said during the WAC coaches conference call that reciever Wes Neiman and running back Marquell Colston could return for Saturday's home game with Hawaii at Aggie Memorial Stadium. Both were injured against San Jose State and have missed the past two games.

- Felix

Aggie Football

After Saturday's 49-0 loss to Boise State, fans of New Mexico State football are showing their anger. Comments on my blog, on my story and through conversations with fans there is plenty of disappointment to go around.

The Aggies won a big game at Nevada to start league play and then gave San Jose State a respectable game the following week.

But a miserable performance at Idaho and a listless showing against Boise State has put the Aggies season on the brink of destruction if it isn't already there.

New Mexico State is 3-5 on the year and takes on 4-5 Hawaii this Saturday at Aggie Memorial Stadium. This game is NMSU's last stand in some ways. A win here and the Aggies at least have some hope the rest of the way.

A loss here and the team could very well see it's season spiral downward even worse than it seems right now.

The loss to Boise St. wasn't unexpected, but it seemed as if some of the team seemed to be in a fog for much of the game. There didn't seem to be much confidence or emotion.

That has to change this week, otherwise Hawaii could come into Las Cruces and get an easy win.

Plus, let's be honest, the future of head coach Hal Mumme is on the line. That's why the Hawaii game is big for him and the future of his tenure here.

There have been a lot of factors as to why the Aggies have struggled the past two weeks in particular, injuries, lack of execution, poor offensive line play, turnovers, etc. The bottom line is the Aggies are 3-5 and are facing a make or break game against Hawaii. A win and maybe the team gets to 5 or 6 wins, a loss and it's hard to imagine the team winning more than one more if one at all.

- Felix

New Mexico State/Boise State follow

Wow, what a loss for New Mexico State on Saturday against Boise State. An absolute disappointing loss, 49-0, to the No. 11 Broncos.

Boise State is very good in all phases of the game and is well coached. The Aggies are now 3-5 on the season and in danger of having another poor season.

Where does the team go from here? Well, they get Hawaii at home next week and a loss there could mean curtains for the season.

What do you fans feel about the direction of the program?

- Felix

Las Cruces High/Mayfield football

Next Friday at Aggie Memorial Stadium, the much-anticipated Las Cruces High/Mayfield High football game takes place.

The Bulldawgs are 9-0, while MHS is 8-1. Both teams are 3-0 in District 3-5A.

This year's game is a matchup between two of the top three games in the state with Eldorado being the other.

Here are some of the matchups between MHS and LCHS that are intriguing.

At quarterback, LCHS' senior Dante Caro has established himself as arguably the best QB in the state this season. He is a dangerous runner and he is one of the leaders of the offense.
Mayfield's Austin Hooker is a junior, who has played better as the season has gone along. He has run the ball well and when called upon has thrown the ball well. He has been thrown into the fire this season against a tough schedule and he has responded well.
For now, the edge goes to Caro, but not by a whole lot. I like Caro's edge in experience and his big play ability is something that is always a danger.,

At running back, the Bulldawgs have James Hall Jr. and solmetimes Will Bruce. For MHS, it's Jacob Ceniceros, Michael Hallock and sometimes J.D. Ordunez and Darren Cedillos.
This matchup is even in my book. Hall Jr. is a danger everytime he touches the ball as is Ceniceros. Both starters also have plenty of experience in big games.

Defense. This could come down to who allows the fewest big plays. Last year's game turned out to be a defensive struggle with MHS winning 14-7.

If the game is low scoring this year, I have to give MHS the advantage. If LCHS can get the game into a see saw affair with plenty of possessions, the advantage could be in the Bulldawgs favor.

Felix